Atmashakti

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United Way of Baroda, in collaboration with the Vadodara Municipal School Board, launched Atmashakti – Self-Defence, Self-Reliance, a transformative initiative aimed at empowering adolescent girls with the confidence, awareness, and practical skills needed to protect themselves and respond effectively in challenging situations. Implemented across 11 NPSS schools in Vadodara, the programme focuses on girls studying in Standards 6 to 8, an age where confidence-building and personal safety education play a vital role in shaping independent and resilient individuals.

The programme combines structured self-defence training with awareness sessions on personal safety, situational awareness, and decision-making. Through practical demonstrations, hands-on learning, and real-life scenario-based exercises, participants develop essential life skills that enhance their confidence, preparedness, and ability to safeguard themselves. Beyond teaching physical self-defence techniques, Atmashakti nurtures courage, resilience, and self-reliance, enabling young girls to face everyday challenges with greater confidence.

Programme Highlights

  • 11 NPSS Schools Covered
  • 384 Self-Defence Training Sessions Conducted
  • 1,326 Girls Empowered
  • Target Group: Girls studying in Standards 6–8
  • Training Structure: 12 Structured Sessions per Batch

From Fear to Confidence – Hasoti Nidhi Bipinchandra

Hasoti Nictical self-defence skills that prepared her to respond confidently to situations such as harassment in public transport, navigating isolated areas, and other unexpected emergencies. Before participating in the programme, she was unsure of how to react in such circumstances. Today, she feels more aware, confident, and capable of protecting herself while remaining calm and making informed decisions during challenging situations.

Empowered to Protect Herself – Priya Ramniwasbhai Chaudhary

Priya Ramniwasbhai Chaudhary, a Standard VII student at Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan School, credits the Atmashakti programme with strengthening both her confidence and personal safety awareness. Through practical training and real-life scenario-based learning, she developed the skills needed to respond effectively to unsafe situations and protect herself when required. Priya now feels more confident, independent, and prepared to face everyday challenges. She appreciates United Way of Baroda for providing young girls with practical knowledge and empowering them to become self-reliant individuals.

Educator Testimonial

“The Atmashakti Self-Defense Training Project has been a highly impactful initiative for our students. Beyond teaching practical self-defence techniques, it has helped our girls become more confident, disciplined, aware, and self-reliant. The engaging training sessions empowered them with the knowledge and courage to protect themselves while responding appropriately to challenging situations. We sincerely appreciate United Way of Baroda for implementing such a meaningful programme that equips young girls with invaluable life skills and contributes significantly to their overall development. Such initiatives play a vital role in building confidence, resilience, and self-reliance among young girls, enabling them to become stronger and more confident individuals.”

Mrs. Hetalben Vibhav Pradhan
Principal, Rushi Vishwamitri Primary School, Ramdevnagar, Vadodara